Exercise Bikes

Do you love to ride bikes, but the traffic or weather situation isn't
always ideal for taking to the open road? Then an exercise bicycle
may be just the ticket. Whether you are planning to train for races,
get some exercise, or reduce stress, an exercise bike can be a safe,
low-impact, and convenient way to reach your goals.

An exercise bike consists of a stationary bicycle used for cardiovascular,
endurance, and strength training. Exercise bikes have been available
longer than treadmills, skiers, rowing machines, elliptical trainers, and
most other types of exercise equipment. They are perhaps the most
popular form of home fitness equipment. Experts generally consider
them to be safe and effective, and they are easy to use by most sectors
of the population.

There are various types of exercise bikes, including "spinning machines"
built specifically for spinning classes, and recumbent models, which may
be helpful for those with lower back pain. A regular bicycle can
also be adapted for stationary exercise with a special stand.
Besides putting less stress on the joints and knees than other equipment,
standard stationary bikes often allow the rider to pedal backward,
exercising muscles not normally used. New versions often offer
electronic programs and may be connected to a computer with included
software that allows the rider to ride virtual roads and terrain.
These electronic variants are becoming popular training devices for
bicycle racing teams, as they simulate the varied pace and difficulty
level of an actual course.

A Woman Rides a Stationary Exercise Bike

Just as with cycling outdoors, indoor cycling also uses the concepts of
spinning and cadence. Many exercise bikes will display your cadence
in terms of RPMs which, combined with a heart rate monitor, can tell you
when you have reached an aerobic exercise level.

When getting on an exercise bike, the goal is to challenge your body
but not push it to the point of pain or injury. Having a bit of
knowledge about RPMs will enable you to set some realistic goals.
As a general rule, an athlete cycles at 90-110 RPMs, while an
extremely fit person may do 80-90 RPMs. But you don't need to be
in super shape to get a good workout. In fact, you can get a good
workout at 70-80 RPMs. If you are doing anything below that, it's
probably a good idea to check the tension to ensure it isn't too high.

For a good workout, try alternating between hills and speed, interval
cycling, spinning, or cross-training stationary cycling. There are
enough workout choices to keep you in great shape without getting bored!

Here on ExerciseBikes.us, you can browse through specifications and shop
online for a good selection of stationary bikes and accessories from
selected exercise equipment manufacturers.